Do you remember what it was like to be led?
That’s the question Sir John Hagerty, advertising legend and founder of Bartle Bogle Hegarty, asks of all leaders.
If you can remember that feeling, the challenges placed on you, the support you received, and the empathy for your personal growth, then you will be in the best position to lead others.
Hagerty, by position but primarily by passion, is a storyteller. Outstanding leadership is about crafting intelligent stories that nobody has ever heard before.
Here are his three pillars of leadership that are worth emulating in every area of our lives. They are simple to apply and easy to remember.
Lead by Example
As a leader, you have to be in the weeds with your team. You can’t ask them to perform a task that you feel is beneath you. It’s not about avoiding the grunt work or delegating the administrative stuff on an intern. You have to know the challenges those tasks come with and be ready to lead others through them.
Knowing the problems and difficulties that may arise builds loyalty and administers respect. If you lead others through their challenges because you have been there before, you begin to gain that respect.
Inspire Others
I’ve been preaching author Matthew Kelly’s principle of striving to become the Best-Version-Of-Yourself for as long as I can remember. I believe in it. It inspires me, and it’s a simple way to help others achieve the greatness within.
Leaders must make people better than they are. Many people cannot see their potential, especially when they are starting their careers. Some people struggle with insecurity and poor self-confidence. They need leaders to see that there is something more in them and uplift their souls to desire that greatness on their own.
Show Concern
Great leaders empathize with their teams. It’s not about ME; it’s about WE. A leader shows interest in the personal lives of their employees, gets to know their family, their goals, and their dreams outside of work. They understand their problems and fears. Jeff Weiner from LinkedIn calls this Compassionate Leadership.
Build these three pillars into your leadership style, and pretty soon, you will be leading like a true knight!
